Electrospinning behavior and piezoelectric property of PVDF/PEDOT:PSS composite web by PEDOT:PSS addition

Abstract

AbstractPoly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a representative piezoelectric polymer with a high piezoelectric constant, which has been applied and studied in various fields because of its flexibility. PVDF has various crystallization phases, and the crystallization phase of the fabricated fibers is significantly influenced by the solution characteristics and additives during the electrospinning process. Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is a conductive polymer that can improve piezoelectric performance by acting as an electron path when combined with a piezoelectric polymer; however, the electrospinning behavior depends on the solution properties. The characteristics of composite solutions with PEDOT:PSS added to PVDF were investigated, and the changes in electrospinning behavior and morphology were analyzed accordingly. We also evaluated the crystallinity of the PVDF in the deposited fibers using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. As the PEDOT:PSS content increased, the radius of the jet decreased, the deposition area decreased, the fiber diameter tended to increase, and the crystallinity of the β phase decreased. Changes in the piezoelectric performance of the PVDF/PEDOT composite webs with various PEDOT:PSS contents were investigated and analyzed. Based on the results of this study, ceramic‐based materials can be replaced with improved polymer‐based piezoelectric elements, thus accelerating the adoption of wearable piezoelectric devices.